In the 32nd match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, South Africa will face New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune on Wednesday (November 1). The Proteas, in conjunction with India, hold a prominent position in the race to reach the semifinals of the World Cup 2023. They have suffered only one loss in their first six matches, which was against the Netherlands, and currently have accumulated 10 points.
Their opponents, 2019 World Cup runners-up New Zealand, have encountered two consecutive defeats to India and Australia. Tom Latham’s team aims to recover from their recent heart-wrenching five-run loss to Australia in Dharamsala.
However, the Black Caps will be without their regular captain, Kane Williamson, and fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, both of whom left the field in their previous match due to injuries. The New Zealand cricket board has indicated that Williamson will not be available for the upcoming match against South Africa, and his fitness will be evaluated before their next encounter with Pakistan.
New Zealand vs South Africa head-to-head records
In the 71 ODIs played between these two teams, South Africa emerged victorious in 41 matches, while New Zealand won 25, and five matches concluded without a result. However, when it comes to the World Cups, the scales tip heavily in favor of the Black Caps. They have not suffered a defeat at the hands of South Africa in the past 24 years.
In the eight World Cup encounters between them, New Zealand has emerged triumphant in six, with South Africa claiming victory in two. New Zealand’s wins include two instances via the DLS method (in 2003 and 2015), three while chasing a target (in 1992, 2007, and 2019), and one while setting a target in 2011. South Africa secured wins in the 1996 and 1999 World Cups.\
New Zealand vs South Africa pitch report
Pune typically offers favorable conditions for batsmen, with some early assistance for fast bowlers who can exploit seam and swing. However, precision in line and length is crucial for them. Generally, the team winning the toss prefers to field first.
The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune has hosted nine ODIs to date. Among these, teams batting first emerged victorious in only four matches. Notably, on October 30, the Afghanistan-Sri Lanka encounter favored the Afghans, who secured a 7-wicket victory.
New Zealand vs South Africa weather
In Pune, the temperature is expected to reach a maximum of 32 degrees when the match begins, but it will gradually decrease. The humidity level is forecasted to be relatively low at 43%. According to Weather.com, there is no rain expected during this time.
New Zealand vs South Africa Live streaming details
Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
Date & Time: November 1, 2pm IST onwards
Live Streaming and TV details: Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar website and app
New Zealand vs South Africa Squad
New Zealand: Will Young, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (c, wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Jimmy Neesham, Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Tim Southee/Lockie Ferguson
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee/Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi